As so many Frederick folks did, I took the time to walk around a little bit Downtown twice last week while the weather was so lovely.

I took in the remodeled Market Street entrance to the Linear Park on my way to the library. While the jury's still out in my mind on its aesthetics, I do admit that it's a much smoother look and more comfortable to pass through alongside other people moving back and forth through it.

The library was bustling with people, many of whom (I’m pleased to note) were checking out stacks of real books! And of course, I was among them. I even sat outside to read for a little while and it was like a hot fudge sundae for my mind and soul--deliciously relaxing and mentally decadent. Had the weather been a teensy bit warmer, that would have been the cherry on top.

As it was, however, it was perfect for walking down Patrick and Market Streets, where I peered into the windows of familiar shops and resisted the temptation to enter and purchase a thing or two (this week at least!). I also paused in front of some recently-vacated storefronts, wondering if they had closed for good or simply relocated, and in front of several new businesses, making financially morbid bets with myself about how long they will last.

When I got home, I realized that as much as I had felt at home, at the same time I felt like a visitor again. So much is still the same, but enough has changed that I really need to wander out and about some more to get reacquainted with Frederick.

Do you ever feel like a stranger in your own city? What do you do to get to know it again?